RV Charaidew II

The 2019-built RV Charaidew II is a steel-hulled, twin-engine river cruise ship. The luxury vessel is owned by ABN (Assam Bengal Navigation) and is frequently chartered by major travel companies and cruise brands such as Noble Caledonia (UK), Phoenix Reisen (Germany), and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

ABN Charaidew II operates in India on the Brahmaputra River, a major transboundary river in South Asia. Her itineraries are roundtrips departing from her homeport of Kolkata/Calcutta.

This newbuild riverboat is a modern vessel that blends contemporary comfort with India’s traditional charm. Her shallow draft allows safe navigation into the Brahmaputra’s less-traveled and seldom-visited regions.

The 3-deck vessel features Assamese-inspired interior decor, all French Balcony staterooms, a modern wellness complex (Spa & Gym), gourmet dining (including Western and Indian cuisine), and premium service provided by a professional crew.

Decks and Cabins

ABN Charaidew II staterooms (17 total) are all air-conditioned and each features a French balcony (floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to a Juliet balcony). Category 3 cabins additionally include a private step-out veranda and larger bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Main Deck cabins (Category 1) measure 170 ft2 (16 m2) and feature French balconies and queen beds (non-convertible to twins).

Upper Deck cabins (Category 2) measure 240 ft2 (22 m2) and also feature French balconies. Each cabin is equipped with two twin beds (convertible to a double).

The Upper Deck’s two Deluxe Cabins (Rooms 1 & 2, Category 3) are the ship’s largest accommodations, measuring 350 ft2 (33 m2). Each features a French balcony and a private, forward-facing terrace. These cabins include a king-size bed (non-convertible to twins), a larger bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a lounge area with a sofa.

Standard cabin amenities include a hairdryer, minibar, digital safe (located in the closet), tea and coffee-making facilities, a vanity/writing desk with chair, ample storage space (wardrobe and under-bed storage), and an en suite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers.

The vessel has 3 decks, two of which accommodate passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities

The spacious and cozy Bar Lounge overlooks the bow and opens onto an outside terrace through sliding glass doors. A bar is also located in the Saloon, alongside a well-stocked library. The Lounge hosts nightly entertainment, including dance and song performances by local artists. Daily scheduled activities include cooking demonstrations, lectures, and trivia games.

The single-seating Main Dining Room is a complimentary restaurant serving a blend of Western and Assamese (traditional Indian) cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options are always available. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Traditional Assam teas are served complimentary.

The vessel’s wellness facilities include a Spa Room (for massages and treatments) and a Fitness Center (Gym).

The spacious Sundeck features a roof-covered, open-air lounge with comfortable seating. The top deck offers ample seating areas, both open and shaded, and the Sundeck Bar serves soft drinks, wines, and beers.

Coffee and tea are available throughout the vessel.

Laundry service is also available.

Lindblad itineraries

When chartered by NatGeo-Lindblad, ABN Charaidew II operates two itineraries: the 18-day "India by Land and River: Taj Mahal, Safaris and the Brahmaputra," and the 11-day "India Expedition: Kolkata, Kaziranga and the Brahmaputra River."

"India by Land and River: Taj Mahal, Safaris and the Brahmaputra" itinerary

The cruisetour operates between New Delhi and Kolkata (downstream), and in reverse from Kolkata to New Delhi (upstream).

The program includes a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Delhi (at the Taj Mahal Hotel), a domestic flight to Jabalpur, followed by bus transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park (with a hotel stay at Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort).

On Day 5, guests transfer back to Jabalpur for a return flight to New Delhi and an overnight stay at the Taj Mahal Hotel.

On Days 7-8, travel continues to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. En route, guests visit the Agra Bear Rescue Facility to observe sloth bears and other wildlife species. In Agra, an overnight stay at ITC Mughal is included.

On Days 8-9, guests fly from New Delhi to Kolkata for a 2-night stay at The Oberoi Grand Hotel or ITC Royal Bengal Hotel. In North Kolkata, visits include “The Black Town” and the Bengali Quarter.

On Day 10, guests travel from Kolkata to Jorhat to embark the ship on the Brahmaputra River.

Following the river cruise, on Days 17-18, passengers disembark in Guwahati and fly to Kolkata, where an overnight stay at Taj Taal Kutir (or similar hotel) is included.

"India Expedition: Kolkata, Kaziranga and the Brahmaputra River" itinerary

This cruisetour operates roundtrip from Kolkata.

On Day 1, guests arrive in Kolkata for an overnight stay at The Oberoi Grand Hotel or ITC Royal Bengal Hotel.

On Day 2, visits include North Kolkata’s “The Black Town,” the Jain Temple Complex, the Bengali Quarter, and Kumartuli.

On Day 3, guests fly from Kolkata to Jorhat for embarkation on the Brahmaputra River cruise.

On Day 4, Majuli Island is visited.

On Day 5, guests visit a traditional village and Kaziranga National Park, with overnight anchorage at Biswanath Ghat (also known as Gupta Kashi).

On Days 6-7, visits include Biswanath, Kaziranga National Park, and Silghat.

On Day 8, guests visit the Kaliabor Tea Estate in Silghat (an Assam tea producer) and Singri Pahar.

On Day 9, Pandu is visited.

On Days 10-11, guests disembark in Guwahati and fly to Kolkata for an overnight stay at Taj Taal Kutir (or similar hotel).

Note: CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats can be found in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.